They say you never really know fear....

....until you have children. So true.

Yesterday my oldest son and I took our first longish (65 miles) road ride together. I was on my 'King, Ol' Red. and he was on Suzi Q, my dual-sport DR650SE. He just got his permit and had never rode on the pavement in traffic before. I thought it would be fun, but I haven't been that scared in a long frickin' time, not since there were complications when my youngest was being born.

Where we live there is town and then highway. Not much town, lots of 65MPH or 70MPH highway. Traffic was heavy (for here, likely light for a lot of places) and he was nervous, as he'd never rode at more than 30MPH on the dirt or gravel, with me on the only other vehicle.

I hardly remember the ride out to breakfast, as it was just a red blur of tension. When we stopped, he was shaking. I thought I'd have to go back and get the truck to bring him home. But the kid pulled it together, probably with the help of a big breakfast, and he was fine on the way home and since.

Dang that was scary! I sure hope it gets to be fun, and soon!

He has a great teacher with him so I do think that there is a great chance that he will be OK. Although not exactly the same, I kind of felt the same way when I started to teach my oldest daughter how to drive my truck. She will be OK. Just take more practice. Get him out there as much as you can.

There was a lot of new stuff for him to figure out, but it sounds like he's getting used to it. Takes time . . . and I think it's good for him to be nervous - he'll be more careful.

Thanks, guys.

Nice thing about the DR650 is it ain't really a crotch rocket, its a go-anywhere-and-back-again ride. It can go fast, 100+, but it is set higher for off-road riding. It also helps that my kid ain't near the jackwagon I was at his age, at least for now. Way more cautious and respectful of the laws of Nature, Physics and the Great State of Nevada. With appropriate fear of God, injury, and Dad!

He just got back from his first solo run up and down the highways. Now I can de-sober up and relax, won't have to worry anymore tonight!

Knob Creek or Early Times - don't matter which!
:cheers:

That Knob Creek is really good. I got just friggen hammered off of that one Christmas then went to church. Don't do that.

Yup, a little common sense (and the fear of those things you mentioned above LOL) goes a long way, and it sounds like your boy has some. More than I did when I was that age .

Yep, last night I got me good and hammered on that stuff. Today I gotta turn my life around. Really going to hell wid myself. Naaa, never mind

Man. My boys 17 and he just wants to ride so bad going to go for his mc saftey course. But like all moms guess who is going to take the course as. Well bet the instructor gets. A 100 bill put in his hand just to fail him so as not to get a good score . She just don't think he is ready yet .and for what its worth I don't either . Only one problem he will be 18 in september so he will go take it again with. Out mom . And I'm sure he will go strait to the dealer and get his bike. If he's any thing like me ! . I'm sweating it! Seen him ride dirt bikes man the kid is good but fearless that's bad juju!

Take him out more & try to find some country roads.

You know what to do...all he needs is a little experience and help from the Old Man...
And remember , don't Bust his chops too bad .
He will be find...

No offense, but tryin' to find country roads out here is not the problem! :roflmao: We got two kinds of roads in NV, those with traffic and those without. Most are without, and I mean nothin' but snakes, rabbits and stray cattle. He needs time with traffic to be a real rider. But he did get out amongst it twice today, so we're getting there.

I got him one of those full face convertible helmets that makes him look like some character from a sci-fi video game (he picked it out). He loves it so much he wore it all day to "break it in"! Young enthusiasm is so frickin' great! I'm actually glad he ain't a bug eater like me.

He's been down hard on the bike off-road, so he isn't a virgin that way. I'd be just fine, though, if he never has another wreck. More worried about the other drivers at this time.

Thanks again for the words and thoughts.........may not have any fingernails by Monday!